Saturday, March 14, 2020

I can barely believe that in three short months I'll be your wife. My mom likes to tease me for it, but I love that our story began with a lovesick 14-year-old girl doodling her first name and your last in the margins at school. Can't wait to try out that signature again in June. — Margo

Saturday, March 7, 2020

It’s an incredible feeling to find someone who accepts your authentic self, who makes you feel like you’re the best version of you when with them. I am so thankful for your honesty and the safe space you provide for me. I adore you. — Smitten Kitten

Friday, March 6, 2020

Sending my warmest love and admiration to the Korean restaurant downstairs from my work on Granville—who had to close without a goodbye. I hope you are well. I loved your food, I loved your hospitality, and most of all, I love the lady who always welcomed me and gave me big smiles whenever I saw you. Best of luck to you and your family. Miss you already. — The Japanese Girl Upstairs

Friday, February 28, 2020

You're my guy. My perpetual hug. My mountain spring of laughter. The steady bedrock, the beautiful heart of a generous and considerate lover who cares for others. I am unfathomably happy that we've been reunited after all this time, and even though we're not in the same place right now, we will be soon! I can't wait to build stuff, make music and art with you, exchange rapid-fire wordplay and scurry around town catching Pokémon. Let the neural-network generated text bring us to tears, laughing so our abs and neck muscles seize up. You're the one for me, and I don't need anyone to send me a SIGN because you already make them. You're better than good. You are THE GOODEST. Long-distance is hard, but your morning texts keep me going, you wordsmith, you. Looking forward to getting a bowl of that chili. — Your Spark, Your Pilot Flame

Thursday, February 13, 2020

Wonderful editors that lay out the Love/Bitch section. I'm sitting in New Zealand, reading a crinkly, month-old edition of The Coast that was definitely drenched at one point, that my family lovingly sends me from home. I begin to read as I usually do (check the photographer of the cover, and then read from back-to-front—goodies in the back, of course!) I arrive at the Love/Bitch section and do a quick scan: one love and five bitches. Hmm. That's a lot of bitching for a section that includes "love" in the title.

I check the date of the edition: week of January 9. Damn. At a time when Halifax is going through its post-holidaze recovery and many Scotians are actively struggling with depression, the one newspaper that hasn't totally fallen off the rails and still has decent content is really vibing with the shit. Yeah, it's funny. And yeah, it can make people feel better, sometimes. It's great to bitch it out and have others agree and validate it. But in a world where we're desperately needing some guiding light, and some seriously positive influence, do you think we could call back in some love, just a bit? There'd be an outrage if there'd been an interview that covered five hetero cis guys, one woman and no queens. I know there's more love in you, you can do it! — Love Is The Answer

Saturday, January 25, 2020

Hey Batman, was that you on the number 1 bus? I thought I caught your eye and I thought it was you but you turned away. It seemed like maybe you didn't want to see me. I've looked for you, but you seem to be strangely invisible online. I should have talked to you even though you turned away. I'm happily married and at the same time you'll always have a little part of my heart, even since that first day we both had our luggage torn open at YHZ airport security. I miss you. I would love to hear from you. Even just a little hello. — Girl In The Black Dress

Friday, January 10, 2020

To the people on Herring Cove Road with the reproduction of Michelangelo's "David" in front of their house: Each time I drive by I look to see if you've changed his theme. Thank you for making our little corner of the world just a bit better.
—Cindy

What a beautiful gift to be able to feel so deeply. I didn't tell you, but I was falling in love. You wouldn't have heard me if I had, anyway. Thank you for the laughs, the dancing, the cuddling and the abandoned plans. Even if we worked harder to make it work, it would have ended in tears. But you were a lovely almost.
—Tea?

Saturday, November 30, 2019

I never thought I’d meet anyone that I loved like I loved her. I thought that the days of butterflies were long behind me. Never did I expect for you to be the one I wanted to stay up with late at night. Wake up beside. And kiss every day for the rest of my life. If only I could tell you these things, but you’re my best friend.—Girl With Luv

Thursday, November 21, 2019

To the beautiful soul I shared a drink with at the airport, a seat in the rocking chairs and all those beautiful moments in between. I may never see you again, but the imprint you had on me will stay with me always. I want to stay with you in that other world.—Rock Girl

Friday, November 15, 2019

Growing up in Ontario and raised by a well-read and well-travelled family, I was always encouraged to travel somewhere alone, where I had never been before and to live there for awhile. You know? Really do some soul searching and rediscover myself all over again while learning to love myself even more. Truthfully, in the past I secretly despised myself and others for whining and complaining over the things that would not matter five minutes from now. And as most people know, us Ontario people "Love to Bitch." But I have no complaints about Nova Scotia.

Honestly, I have been making up excuses not to leave here because every time I get teary eyed, and I never get teary eyed about leaving a place or a person ever. There are many wonderful and inspirational people who all struck a chord with me one way or another, and suddenly I did not feel alone in this world. Then after a while I was able to actually focus on the good in myself so I could eventually love myself more and not settle for less.

Yes, sure I messed up and had blunders on the way. But I am "Ontario shameless" like that and own my shit. You guys should too. You are too modest and all of you deserve so much better. From my friends to my foes, I love you all and will miss you whenever I leave the province.—T.

Thursday, October 17, 2019

Not too long ago, I purchased a pair of Ralph Lauren sneakers from Winners in Mic Mac Mall. About half an hour after leaving the mall I noticed the shoes were not with me in my car. I quickly realized my stupidity—I had left them on top of the car and must've driven away with them still on the roof with the receipt inside! I zoomed back to the mall and was looking frantically through the parking lot, in the ditches and went to lost and found in the mall. Nothing.

Made my way to Winners, and lo and behold they were brought back by an older gentleman! You left your business card inside and I wanted to contact you to personally thank you, but when I got home it was nowhere to be found in the bag. What you don't realize is, that was my birthday present I bought for myself with my birthday money, and it was my birthday. Again, THANK YOU!—Happy Birthday Girl

Thursday, September 19, 2019

Thanks again for being the right kind of weirdo! I've had the most emotionally draining week, and you made everything seem a little less bitter. If I weren't happily coupled I would have gladly let you hit on me. Perhaps in another dimension my doppleganger gave you a ride home and her number. In this dimension, I thank you for brightening my night and being a complete gentleman.—She With The Moves (And The Clumsy Twirl)